Colchester Master Anilam to Viper 200 / Mach3

[derekBPcnc]

Hi all,

Just ordered 3 Viper 200s (1 spare) for a lathe conversion.
the Anilam Crusader II has just died, brain dead.. but the drives are Ok but have decided to install something which is more maintainable.

Having M3 on my BP mill, to convert the lathe to the same makes sense. I looked at a step / direction to +-10v converter, but all new controls are the way to go. Spares are available and make the machine more inhouse maintainable.

I'll use the existing motors, possibly the transformer (if the voltage is OK) and fit bridge reckie and caps for the PSU.
1000 line encoders will be fitted to the motors to replace the resolvers.

A LCD monitor will be fitted to the existing control housing with keyboard... should look good.

Fingers crossed, I need to get the lathe back in production ASAP.

Regards
Derek

edit: here is the original thread when the machine was converted from 3ph to 1ph Colchester CNC with Crusader II conversion

[Larken]

Can you post pictures of the motors ? What diameter and length are they ?

[derekBPcnc]

Hi Larken,

The rating plate is:-
3000rpm
Ieff 11A
I peak 75A
170v
0.3Nm/A

They are badged Indramat - about 5" dia x 7" long excluding the resolver cover....approx. I can measur to give exact figures.

Best regards
Derek

[BillsBoatRepair]

I have a fryer mb 10 with an alilam 1100m that just died and i am looking at upgrading too anybody HAVE ANY IDEAS

[DennisCNC]

^^ I have a big Bridgeport BTC mill with Mach3 cnc software and two routers and working on a cnc lathe conversion. The Bridgeport has Vipers drives the rest have stepper motors. I would say take out the old control get Viper drives if you have DC servo motors a decent computer and get Mach3 and you will be set for years. If you have a tool changer on the Fryer Mach3 can handle it also. Mach3 is least expensive and most universal cnc software out there. You can see it here: http://machsupport.com/

[derekBPcnc]

Hi,

I checked the transformers today, there are 2x 240v to 45vac (2 secondaries) per transformer.

So wiring the sec in series will give me 90vac or about 130vdc.
Should be enough to get thing moving.

I'll use 1 tranformer per axis + rectifier and smoothing cap.

ATB

Derek

[DennisCNC]

Derek put up pictures of your progress as you go, i'm doing a lathe conversion also would like to see you results.

[derekBPcnc]

Drives arrived today :-) thanks Larken for the speedy delivery.


Riiiight. some electrickery to do.
I'll keep you all posted.

ATB
Derek

[derekBPcnc]

Question for the experts......

The existing drive/ motors use tacho / resolver combinations on each axis..

the tacho is mounted on the motor shaft and the resolver is mounted on the end of the ball screw.
There is a HTD belt between the motor and screw and a slight reduction.

So, I'm thinking "where to mount the encoder"
On the motor, or on the screw?

Any help will be appreciated.

ATB

Derek

(Here is a quick photo of the old drive, which I will be removing from the control housing tomorrow --- Indramat Drive pick

[Larken]

It would be easiest to remove the tach and mount the encoder on the motor.

But your machine would be more accurate though with it mounted on the screw, as long as the belt has no backlash in at, just harder to tune. But by increasing the D (derivative) you can overcome most backlash problems.

How many turns/inch is the main screw ?

[derekBPcnc]

Originally Posted by Larken It would be easiest to remove the tach and mount the encoder on the motor. But your machine would be more accurate though with it mounted on the screw, as long as the belt has no backlash in at, just harder to tune. But by increasing the D (derivative) you can overcome most backlash problems. How many turns/inch is the main screw ?

Hi Larry, thanks for the reply.

The existing resolver mount on the end of the screw is going to make it a sinch to mount the new encoder, I won't even need to disturb the motors.
Photo of the z axis resolver

The screw is a 5mm pitch. photo of the Z axis screw

There is very little backlash, more a stretching of the belt to overcome the stiction in the slides. Photo of the drive belt setup

So it looks like my preference wil be to mount the new encoder in the end of the ball screw.

ATB

Derek

[derekBPcnc]

I have removed the INdramat drive chasis and made a sub baseplate with the same fixing centres as the old drive to mount the vipers onto.

Mounted on the same plate is the BOB and DC-06 from Homann Designs for the VFD speed control.

Photo of the new drive >here<

ATB

Derek